Inheriting Addiction

Just three years ago the world lost an incredible talent, Whitney Houston, and this past weekend we learned that her daughter, 21-year-old Bobbi Kristina Brown, was found unresponsive in a bathtub from what appeared to be an accidental overdose. Houston was found three years ago in her bathtub, unresponsive from what was determined as a deadly mix of cocaine and heart medication. In the years following Houston’s death, the media has speculated that her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, was having problems with drug use and abuse. Today, Bobbi Kristina’s family and loved ones are gathering to say goodbye and preparing for the worst. Inheriting addiction and coping mechanisms is yet again what could be the reason behind another celebrity’s child’s life being lost. With 16 celebrity’s children who have committed suicide since 1968, an atrocious number who unintentionally committed suicide, and many others who have battled addiction. Now more than ever the topic of addiction, the spotlight, and fame are fueling discussions about what can be done to prevent another tragedy.

On Saturday, cops were called to Bobby Brown and the late Whitney Houston daughter’s home when a friend found her face down in her bathtub. Nick Gordon, Bobbi Kristina’s longtime boyfriend, and her friend Max Lomas tried getting her to wake up on their own before she was hospitalized. There has been no confirmation that drugs played a part, however cops did find drugs in the home, and her longtime friend that found her recently faced charges for drug distribution.

With a mother who suffered from addiction and a father who also had trouble with drug abuse, it’s very possible that Bobbi Kristina had struggles with substance abuse also. Growing up in the spotlight and grieving the loss of her mother in such a public way couldn?t have been easy. Days after her mother’s death in 2012, Bobbi Kristina was rushed to the hospital, and family members debated on the need for her to be sent to rehab. It is possible rehab may have helped Bobbi Kristina with her drug use, and also to deal with depression and coping with the loss of her mother in a healthy way. However, there is no report of her ever going to rehab after her mothers death.

Whitney Houston and her daughter Bobbi Kristina were very close, and for the past three years she has been trying to cope with a life that her mother isn’t in. When Whitney Houston had troubles she looked to drugs and alcohol as a means of dealing with issues bigger than herself. Bobbi Kristina saw her mother?s coping mechanisms first hand and could have easily found the same substances as a coping mechanism for herself.

Rumors have whirled about depression, and her social media accounts show she was struggling with trying to start her career. It is not difficult to suspect Bobbi Kristina turned to drugs as a means to cope with her emotions. Being so young and at even younger ages having to deal with her parents’ public divorce, fights, and addiction stories can make for a troubled childhood. So much of what she dealt with growing up could have easily triggered her suspected drug abuse.

In 2008 an American study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse stated that 40-60 percent of the predisposition to addiction can be attributed to genetics. The factors that can increase or decrease these are one’s environment and other exposures, which we also know were heavily filled with drugs in Bobbi Kristina’s case, as well as stress.

Bobbi Kristina isn’t the only celebrity’s child who inherited a parent’s addiction. The children of Ozzy Osborne, Jack and Kelly, both had their bouts with addiction and sought treatment for their substance abuse. This past year, Peaches Geldof, daughter of musician Bob Geldof, was found dead from a fatal dosage of heroin, and also had traces of codeine, morphine, and methadone in her system. Peaches also had marks on her wrist and thumbs that might indicate self-harm. Other celebrity’s children who have battled addiction include:

Cameron Douglas

Nicole Richie

Theodora Richards

Samantha Ronson

Sean Stewart

Victoria Sellers

Stephanie Bongiovi

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Mark is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.